Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.

Toeti Heraty (Toeti Heraty Noerhadi-Roosseno) is an Indonesian poet.

Special Judge: Scott Hartmann (Regional Public Engangement Specialist for Maritime Southeast Asia and The Pacific Island – U.S. Embassy Jakarta)